Dengue Fever, which is lurking around in Pakistan for last few years, has affected around 6000 persons in Pakistan. Out of which 32 people have lost their lives. According to the Ministry of health, the latest stats of Dengue in Pakistan include 300 cases in Islamabad, 400 in Rawalpindi, 2000 in Punjab, 2485 cases in Sindh, 250 in Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa and 18 in Azad Kashmir cases confirmed positive and so far 19 people in Sindh, 5 in Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa, 3 in Rawalpindi, 3 in Azad Kashmir and 2 in Islamabad have been killed due to the virus.
What is Dengue Fever
Dengue Fever is caused by flavivirus which is transfered to Humans by a bite from infected mosquito named Aedes egypti. This mosquito typically bites during day time.
Symptoms
Fever, Malaise, Headache, Skin rash, Petechiae are the most common symptoms. In severe cases, the patient may have bleeding from nose, skin, ear leading to shock.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made by detecting the presence of antibodies against the virus in patient's blood.
Treatment
So far, there is no treatment directed specific against the virus & it is mainly supportive, consisting of analgesics & fluids. Blood Transfusions become necessary in case of decreasing platelet counts/haemorrhages. Papaya juice is proven to be very effective in improving the platelet count.
Prevention
It is of utmost importance because it is the only way to control the disease & complications. It consists of,
using mosquito repellents,
using bed nets,
proper netting of the windows,
draining any standing water esp, in old tires, junk, & if this is not possible then, pouring kerosene oil on it.
What is Dengue Fever
Dengue Fever is caused by flavivirus which is transfered to Humans by a bite from infected mosquito named Aedes egypti. This mosquito typically bites during day time.
Symptoms
Fever, Malaise, Headache, Skin rash, Petechiae are the most common symptoms. In severe cases, the patient may have bleeding from nose, skin, ear leading to shock.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made by detecting the presence of antibodies against the virus in patient's blood.
Treatment
So far, there is no treatment directed specific against the virus & it is mainly supportive, consisting of analgesics & fluids. Blood Transfusions become necessary in case of decreasing platelet counts/haemorrhages. Papaya juice is proven to be very effective in improving the platelet count.
Prevention
It is of utmost importance because it is the only way to control the disease & complications. It consists of,
using mosquito repellents,
using bed nets,
proper netting of the windows,
draining any standing water esp, in old tires, junk, & if this is not possible then, pouring kerosene oil on it.
Simply, just avoid the mosquitoes.
Update 20th Nov, 2010: Dengue has so far infected 3,125 individuals in Sindh, out of which 22 have lost their lives, Ministry of Health, Pakistan.
